Introduction
Burning during or after bowel movements is an unpleasant sensation which can cause a high degree of discomfort to patients. Since this feeling is usually accompanied by a feeling of shame, the visit to the doctor is often delayed as long as possible. Nevertheless, it is by no means a rare symptom.
Due to many different causes, it occurs frequently and can often be easily and quickly remedied once the pubic border is overcome and a doctor has been consulted. Often the burning sensation after bowel movement does not occur alone. In many cases it is accompanied by pain – especially during the bowel movement – or an agonizing itching, which can make the problem even more unpleasant.
Causes
The causes of a burning sensation after bowel movements can be very diverse, with both banal and quite serious reasons being found among them. For example, a burning sensation during or after bowel movements can occur simply because very strong, hot spices were previously ingested with the food, which can subsequently lead to irritation of the very sensitive anal mucosa. Furthermore, damage to the mucous membranes of any kind can cause a burning sensation after bowel movement, e.g. tiny tears in the mucous membranes (anal fissures) or haemorrhoids.
Inflammations in the intestinal and anal mucous membranes or on the skin in the immediate vicinity of the anus can also cause a burning sensation during or after bowel movements, regardless of whether it is a bacterial eczema or fungal infection. An infestation of the intestine with pinworms, which lay their eggs in the area of the anus and cause massive itching, can also lead to a burning sensation after bowel movement due to the inflammation and irritation caused by scratching. In addition, other pre-existing underlying diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or certain kidney diseases can also cause a burning sensation after defecation.
Burning after bowel movement with intestinal mycosis
Intestinal mycosis is a disease that is often associated with the use of antibiotics and can cause a burning sensation during or after bowel movements, pain, diarrhoea and itching. Taking an antibiotic is usually done to fight a bacterial infection. The aim is to kill bacteria that cause illness.
Unfortunately, however, not only the disease-causing bacteria are always killed. One of the side effects of antibiotics can also be the destruction of good, endogenous and useful bacteria. Such “good” bacterial colonies can be found in the intestines, for example, where they are located to aid digestion. If these colonies are destroyed by the antibiotic, other disease-causing germs such as fungi can settle and lead to an intestinal fungal infection. An example of a frequent intestinal fungal disease after antibiotics is colonisation with the yeast Candida albicans.
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